Effects of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device on the immune microenvironment of the human cervix and endometrium

Problem: There is little information regarding the impact of the intrauterine device on immune parameters of the upper female reproductive tract related to risk of HIV acquisition. Method of Study: We collected cervical and endometrial samples from women using the hormonal intrauterine device to study its effects on endocervical cytokines/chemokine concentrations, phenotypic markers of T cells, responses of endometrial T cells to activation, and alterations of endometrial cellular infiltrates. Results: Hormonal intrauterine device use was associated with: increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (endocervix); increased coexpression of CXCR4 and CCR5 (endocervix and endometrium); increased coexpression of CD38 and HLADR (endocervix and endometrium); increased intracellular IL-10 production after T-cell stimulation (endometrium); and increased density of T cells, most notably regulatory T cells (endometrium). Conclusion: Hormonal intrauterine device use resulted in both inflammatory and immunosuppressive alterations. Further research is needed to determine the significance of these changes for HIV risk.